Pest identification
What's eating my begonia 'fireworks'?
Mealybugs
Signs: White cottony masses in leaf crevices, along petioles, and at the crown; leaves distort and yellow
Control: Remove with an alcohol swab immediately; spray the whole plant with neem oil every 7 days for a month
Thrips
Signs: Silver-grey rasping scars across the patterned purple and silver leaf surface; tiny black frass
Control: Apply spinosad or insecticidal soap spray weekly; use blue sticky traps to monitor adult levels
Fungus gnats
Signs: Larvae damage roots in overly wet compost, leading to wilting and root rot in this moisture-sensitive species
Control: Let the top inch of compost dry between waterings; drench with BTi solution to kill larvae
Keep begonia 'fireworks' pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Begonia 'Fireworks' pests — FAQ
What is eating my begonia 'fireworks'?
Begonia rex-cultorum 'Fireworks' has the same vulnerabilities as other Rex begonias. Mealybugs are the biggest threat, exploiting the deeply textured and colourful leaves. Thrips scar the ornate purple and silver surface. High humidity promotes powdery mildew, so balance moisture carefully — good airflow matters as much as humidity for this cultivar.
How do I get rid of mealybugs on begonia 'fireworks'?
White cottony masses in leaf crevices, along petioles, and at the crown; leaves distort and yellow Remove with an alcohol swab immediately; spray the whole plant with neem oil every 7 days for a month
How do I get rid of thrips on begonia 'fireworks'?
Silver-grey rasping scars across the patterned purple and silver leaf surface; tiny black frass Apply spinosad or insecticidal soap spray weekly; use blue sticky traps to monitor adult levels
How do I get rid of fungus gnats on begonia 'fireworks'?
Larvae damage roots in overly wet compost, leading to wilting and root rot in this moisture-sensitive species Let the top inch of compost dry between waterings; drench with BTi solution to kill larvae